Irresistible Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Imagine a bubbling dish of cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole sitting on your kitchen counter, its golden, melty cheese beckoning you closer. The aroma wafts through the air, a warm embrace of comfort food that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. One whiff and you can almost hear angels singing—yes, it’s that good! This delightful dish marries tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice in a creamy sauce that makes your taste buds dance with joy.

I remember the first time I made this casserole; it was a chaotic weeknight dinner with my family. Between homework battles and sports practice pick-ups, I needed something easy yet delicious. As the casserole baked, the kitchen transformed into a sanctuary filled with mouthwatering smells, and soon enough, everyone gathered around the table like moths to a flame. This cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole became an instant family favorite—and now it’s your turn to enjoy this culinary masterpiece!

I still chuckle when I think about how my son declared he could eat this dish every day of his life—and he might just be right!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts; they cook quickly and stay juicy in the casserole.

• Fresh Broccoli Florets: Opt for bright green florets; they add color and crunch to your casserole.

• White Rice: Use long-grain white rice for the best texture; it absorbs flavors beautifully.

• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth enhances flavor without overpowering the dish’s richness.

• Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess; you can substitute with half-and-half if you prefer a lighter option.

• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar is essential for that gooey factor; feel free to mix in your favorites!

• Garlic Powder: For an aromatic kick; fresh garlic works wonders too if you’re feeling fancy.

• Onion Powder: It adds depth of flavor quietly without being overpowering in the background.

• Pepper and Salt: Essential seasonings that bring all the ingredients together perfectly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat and Prepare Your Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a large baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Cook Your Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, cook diced chicken until golden brown—about 6-8 minutes. Make sure it’s no longer pink inside for food safety!

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooked chicken with broccoli, rice, broth, cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until everything is well incorporated.

Add Cheese Magic!: Fold in half of your shredded cheese into the mixture for extra cheesiness. Trust me—this step is non-negotiable!

Bake Until Bubbling: Pour everything into your prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Let it Rest (If You Can): Once out of the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes before diving in. This helps everything set up nicely!

Now you have a cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole that will surely become a go-to meal in your home! Enjoy every bite as you revel in its creamy goodness.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the rice first; then sauté chicken and broccoli separately before combining everything with cheese sauce for optimal flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out broccoli for spinach or add different cheeses for extra flavor. Experimenting makes this casserole uniquely yours!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Sharing this casserole with friends made me realize how quickly it vanished at potlucks. Everyone raved about it, asking for seconds and even thirds!

FAQ

Can I use frozen broccoli in cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well; just thaw and drain excess water before adding.

How do I make my casserole creamier?

Add more cheese or a splash of cream to enhance that creamy texture.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it beforehand and bake just before serving for convenience.

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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

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• Author: Tiffani Brooks
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice in a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy-to-make casserole is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it’s a delightful addition to any meal.

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Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook diced chicken until golden brown (6-8 minutes). Ensure no pink remains.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, broccoli, rice, broth, cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix in half of the shredded cheese for added creaminess.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and top with remaining cheese.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
7. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 90mg